**Exclusive** Backpackers critical to the future of Australia’s tourism industry.
With Australia’s backpacker tourism industry gathering this week on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast at the Australian Youth Tourism Exchange (AYTE), at the Novotel Twin Waters Resort, 85 suppliers and distributors are coming together over two days of meetings, providing opportunities for new business and greater access to international markets.
ATEC Managing Director, Felicia Mariani, saying, “The B2B opportunities offered by both AYTE and the Backpacker & Youth Industry Conference, will connect international distributors from 11 countries with over 50 Australian youth product suppliers from across Australia”.
Ms Mariani added, “ATEC plays a strong role in supporting and developing industry capacity and we have made a long term commitment to supporting, educating and developing the Australian youth tourism industry.”
Ms Mariani said ATEC’s Backpacker Youth Advisory Panel had spearheaded the development of the second Australian Youth Tourism Exchange with significant support from Tourism Australia (TA) and Qantas.
This year’s Backpacker & Youth Industry Conference is the 7th annual event again providing delegates with the opportunity to take a close look at the this sector including the issues affecting inbound arrivals, aviation, the hot topics of distribution and commissions, the reform of the Working Holiday Visa and the emergence of Asian markets.
ATEC Chair, John King [pictured] kicked off the Backpacker & Youth Industry Conference and to hear what Mr King had to say about this vibrant and dynamic sector, please click on the link below.
John Alwyn-Jones, Global Travel Media Special Correspondent on location from the Backpacker & Youth Industry Conference
